Does auto insurance cover a broken side mirror?
Does auto insurance cover a broken side mirror? Usually, comprehensive insurance covers the side mirrors on your vehicle while liability insurance covers mirrors that you damaged. Learn more below.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 16, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 16, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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A Concise Overview:
- Full coverage auto insurance generally covers broken side mirrors
- Liability coverage will usually cover costs if you hit another driver’s side mirror
- Sometimes insurance rates increase after replacing broken side-view mirrors
While every motorist hopes to avoid car accidents and damages, accidents do happen. Unfortunately, some of the most commonly damaged parts of a car are the mirrors, leaving many drivers wondering if insurance covers the cost of replacing a side view mirror.
Driving without a side-view mirror can be dangerous and difficult. In some U.S. states and jurisdictions, driving without a functional side view mirror is illegal and may result in fines or other consequences. As such, any responsible driver will want to fix a broken mirror as soon as possible.
Under the right circumstances and with full coverage auto insurance, your car insurance company will cover the costs associated with damaged or broken side mirrors.
Does insurance cover the side view mirror?
If your side view mirror is damaged, you need to replace it as soon as possible. However, not all side mirror damage requires a replacement.
For example, a small crack does not require you to replace your mirror as long as you can see clearly and accurately. However, any damage that obstructs your view needs to be fixed quickly. Fortunately, some auto insurance companies and coverage plans will cover the costs of replacing a side view mirror.
Side view mirror coverage depends almost entirely on the type of insurance that you have. In short, comprehensive insurance, collision insurance, and liability car insurance may cover the costs of replacing a side view mirror, depending on circumstances outlined in each insurance policy.
Comprehensive insurance usually covers damages that ensue while you are not driving, for example, the costs of repairs from falling debris. Depending on your company and plan, comprehensive insurance may even cover damages from another vehicle hitting your car while it is on the street unattended.
If your side view mirror was destroyed or damaged in an accident, collision insurance can help cover the costs of the repair.
On the other hand, liability car insurance only covers repairs needed for vehicles that are not your own. For example, liability auto coverage comes in handy when you are in a car accident that you caused. In the case of debris, a hit parked car, or other situations outside of your control, liability car insurance does not apply.
This table shows average auto insurance rates for each state.
Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates by State and Coverage Type
| States | Average Annual Liability Coverage Rates | Average Annual Collision Coverage Rates | Average Annual Comprehensive Coverage Rates | Average Annual Full Coverage Coverage Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $283 | $252 | $113 | $741 |
| South Dakota | $289 | $251 | $110 | $1,206 |
| Iowa | $293 | $251 | $231 | $819 |
| Wyoming | $323 | $270 | $223 | $817 |
| Maine | $334 | $332 | $147 | $1,078 |
| Idaho | $337 | $285 | $118 | $833 |
| Vermont | $341 | $278 | $118 | $738 |
| Kansas | $342 | $255 | $130 | $904 |
| Nebraska | $349 | $294 | $117 | $1,058 |
| North Carolina | $358 | $227 | $228 | $738 |
| Wisconsin | $360 | $210 | $126 | $696 |
| Indiana | $372 | $207 | $172 | $672 |
| Alabama | $373 | $299 | $146 | $818 |
| Ohio | $376 | $298 | $202 | $941 |
| Arkansas | $381 | $305 | $183 | $869 |
| Montana | $388 | $224 | $206 | $779 |
| New Hampshire | $393 | $365 | $123 | $1,354 |
| Tennessee | $398 | $290 | $136 | $824 |
| Missouri | $399 | $255 | $200 | $843 |
| Virginia | $413 | $265 | $130 | $808 |
| Illinois | $431 | $237 | $115 | $725 |
| Mississippi | $437 | $260 | $166 | $825 |
| Minnesota | $440 | $303 | $195 | $935 |
| Oklahoma | $442 | $212 | $90 | $856 |
| Hawaii | $458 | $209 | $111 | $657 |
| New Mexico | $462 | $358 | $157 | $1,300 |
| California | $463 | $365 | $99 | $927 |
| Utah | $471 | $254 | $107 | $832 |
| Colorado | $477 | $263 | $158 | $899 |
| Arizona | $489 | $259 | $184 | $932 |
| Georgia | $491 | $298 | $100 | $856 |
| Pennsylvania | $495 | $377 | $122 | $1,219 |
| South Carolina | $498 | $200 | $229 | $718 |
| Texas | $498 | $341 | $187 | $1,026 |
| West Virginia | $501 | $319 | $195 | $1,016 |
| Kentucky | $519 | $391 | $209 | $1,327 |
| Alaska | $547 | $360 | $141 | $1,049 |
| Oregon | $553 | $307 | $132 | $934 |
| Washington | $569 | $250 | $104 | $923 |
| Massachusetts | $588 | $383 | $147 | $1,252 |
| Maryland | $599 | $359 | $129 | $1,075 |
| District of Columbia | $628 | $449 | $230 | $1,308 |
| Connecticut | $634 | $349 | $126 | $1,109 |
| Nevada | $647 | $282 | $103 | $778 |
| Rhode Island | $720 | $248 | $165 | $911 |
| Michigan | $722 | $214 | $173 | $827 |
| Louisiana | $727 | $249 | $97 | $680 |
| Delaware | $777 | $297 | $113 | $1,186 |
| New York | $785 | $265 | $123 | $745 |
| Florida | $845 | $320 | $154 | $965 |
| New Jersey | $866 | $267 | $167 | $897 |
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Does auto insurance cover a broken side mirror on a parked car?
Your insurance will usually assist in hitting another driver’s parked car. If you hit a parked car’s mirror, you may follow the typical procedure. Find the owner of the vehicle you hit and provide your insurance information. If the owner is nowhere to be found, leave a note with your phone number and other contact information.
After you make contact with the owner of the vehicle you hit, contact your insurance company. Your insurance company will provide information on what you may owe and what your plan covers. (For more information, read our “What To Do if You Hit a Parked Car“).
Does auto insurance cover a broken side mirror if another driver hits me?
If another driver hits the mirror of your car while it is parked, a comprehensive insurance plan will cover the costs of your mirror and any other damages. If another driver hits the mirror of your car while you both are driving, then collision insurance will likely cover the costs of any damages.
Sometimes, drivers who hit your car and break your mirror will attempt to avoid responsibility. You may contact authorities and notify them of a side view mirror hit and run when this happens. Additionally, you may take the following steps:
- Attempt to contact witnesses and take notes of their testimony
- Take pictures, notes, and other documentation of damage and the area
- Contact your insurance company to notify them of the incident
- See if any nearby cameras filmed the event
Taking these steps can ensure your car gets fixed properly and that your insurance rates don’t go up.
Determining Fault in Sideview Mirror Accidents
Before you accuse a driver of hitting your mirror and causing enough damage necessary for a repair, make sure your mirror actually took damage. Mirrors can bend both ways. If your mirror is bent in a way that seems unusual to you, this does not necessarily mean that it is broken. Sometimes, it just needs to be moved back into its usual place.
If you know for certain your mirror broke, assess how the accident happened and why damages occurred. If another driver crossed into your lane of traffic and hit your side-view mirror while you were also driving, the driver who hit you is likely at fault.
On the other hand, if you crossed over into another driver’s lane and hit their mirror, you will likely be to blame. Whatever the case, contact your insurance company to find out what your auto insurance policy covers.
Read more: Does auto insurance cover riot damage?
Does auto insurance cover a broken side mirror on a rental car?
Whether insurance will cover a broken side-view mirror of a rental car depends on the rental agreement. In any case, you should respond by documenting and assessing the incident. Ensure that you and other parties are safe, take pictures of any damages, exchange contact information if any other drivers are involved, and take note of witness testimony.
After, you may contact your insurance company and the rental company for the next steps. Additionally, it is always a good idea to contact the local police department and have them write up a report on the incident.
Costs of Replacing Side View Mirrors
The price of replacing a side-view mirror depends on your car’s model and manufacturer. To figure out the price of a new side-view mirror, you need to go to a mechanic to get an estimate.
Typically, average prices range anywhere from $50 to several hundred. CashCarBuyer reports that the average cost of replacing a broken side mirror falls between $120 and $350.
Based on your insurance company and coverage type, it may be cheaper for you to take care of the costs of a side view mirror by yourself rather than go through your insurance. If replacing the side view mirror will cost less than your deductible, it’s wise to handle it on your own. Not only will you save money, but you won’t have to worry about a rate increase.
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Using Auto Insurance To Cover a Sideview Mirror
Typically, investing in full coverage plans or comprehensive auto insurance is the best way to ensure your insurance covers damaged mirrors on your own vehicle. Most liability insurance policies cover car mirrors if you are at fault. In short, whether your insurance covers the side view mirror depends on your situation, insurance company, and insurance policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does auto insurance typically cover a broken side mirror?
It depends on the type of auto insurance coverage you have. If you have comprehensive coverage or collision coverage, it may cover a broken side mirror. Liability coverage, which is required in most states, typically does not cover damage to your own vehicle.
What is comprehensive coverage?
Comprehensive coverage is an optional auto insurance coverage that helps protect against non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, fire, and weather-related damage. It may cover a broken side mirror if the damage is caused by a covered event, such as vandalism or a storm.
What is collision coverage?
Collision coverage is another optional auto insurance coverage that helps pay for damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object. If the broken side mirror is a result of a collision, collision coverage may cover the repair or replacement costs.
Are there any deductibles or limits that apply to coverage for a broken side mirror?
Yes, auto insurance policies often include deductibles and coverage limits. A deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Coverage limits specify the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for the repair or replacement of a broken side mirror. Check your policy for specific details on deductibles and limits.
Will filing a claim for a broken side mirror affect my insurance rates?
Filing a claim for a broken side mirror may impact your insurance rates. If you file a claim, it could be considered an at-fault incident or an incident that reflects an increased risk, leading to a potential increase in your premiums. Before filing a claim, it’s advisable to consider the cost of the repair compared to your deductible and potential rate increases.
Is it worth filing a claim for a broken side mirror?
Whether it’s worth filing a claim for a broken side mirror depends on the extent of the damage, your deductible, and the potential impact on your insurance rates. If the repair cost is close to or less than your deductible, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repair out of pocket to avoid potential rate increases.
Can I get my side mirror repaired without involving insurance?
Yes, you can choose to get your side mirror repaired without involving your insurance company. If the repair cost is manageable, you may prefer to pay for the repair out of pocket to avoid filing a claim and potential rate increases. Consider getting estimates from reputable auto repair shops to determine the cost.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.